Location of Blacksmith's Cottage

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Blacksmith's Cottage
Drimnin
Nr Lochaline
Sound of Mull
Argyll

Sleeping 4

They could certainly pick their spot, those blacksmiths in the olden days! For the situation of Blacksmith's Cottage, at the end of the road at Drimnin on the Sound of Mull 40 miles south west of Fort William, is a little piece of heaven indeed. Almost on the shores of the Sound, with just its enclosed, sloping grass garden (terrace,furniture) and a small field (in which, to add to the scenic idyll, Highland cattle often graze) between it and the water, it has wonderful views across to the island of Mull.

The house itself has been lovingly restored to the very highest standards, very well insulated with underfloor heating, and with an eye both to preserving its character and to making the most of its glorious situation. At one end, the snug, beamed sitting room has an exposed stone wall with wood burner, and at the other an attractive breakfast room opens out to a wonderful conservatory dining room, with glazing on three sides, so that the views can be enjoyed midge-free and in all weathers. There is a modern kitchen, perfectly modelled in rustic style, a further downstairs shower room and utility room/office.

Upstairs there are two bedrooms, a double and a twin, the double with a rather cool en suite shower room and a further bathroom. Three bathrooms, then, for your two bedrooms. Not a bad ratio at all, and indicative of the very high standard of this beautiful cottage.

There's no way you will have come here if you are looking for nightlife and city bustle, for Blacksmith's Cottage is the absolute antidote to all that. Chances are you'll be happy to relax in such comfort and enjoy the wonderful view, but if you should feel more energetic, there are some great walks to be had along the Sound. A particularly enjoyable one is along the track which leads right round the point to the old inn at Dorlin (now just a bothy, so take your pint with you if you want refreshment!) But the way is marked with milestones, a testament to the numbers of folk who must have used that route in bygone days when there really was a local population . It's all very different now and you are unlikely to meet another soul (but plenty of local wildlife!).

Fishing, including lessons, can be booked on the Ardtornish Estate at Lochaline (booking well in advance essential).

For daily requirements there is a shop and hotel 11 miles away at Lochaline, from where you can also take ship for Mull (no booking necessary) for a day trip to this magical island is an absolute must while you are staying at the cottage. It's also possible to book a 'water-taxi- to take you over to Tobermory or for seal and whale-watching expeditions. If you continue past Lochaline, you can get back to Strontian (hotels, shop, petrol) from where you can head for Fort William via the Corran Ferry or out to Ardnamurchan, with all it has to offer in terms of scenery and wildlife.

Bed linen, towels, electricity and oil-CH are included. Sorry no pets or smoking in the cottage. Wi-fi INCLUDED, subject to provider. Parents of young children should be aware that there is a low wall round the terrace with a drop to the grass on the other side.